Tension in Eseka Eases After Official Clarification: Direct engagement by Omam Njomo Esther dispels fears of discrimination

Omam Njomo Esther, Executive Director, Reach Out Cameroon.

In response to rising concern and uncertainty surrounding a recent administrative communiqué in Eseka Subdivision in the Nyong and Kelle Division of the Center region, Omam Njomo Esther, Executive Director of Reach Out Cameroon and a Global Peace Champion, has issued a public clarification aimed at reassuring affected communities and reinforcing national unity.

The communiqué, originally released by the Divisional Officer of Eseka, called for an urgent identification of individuals originating from Cameroon’s North West and South West regions residing in the locality. Given the country’s sensitive socio-political climate, the directive sparked anxiety and concern, particularly among Anglophone populations who feared potential targeting or discrimination.

Seeking clarity, Omam Njomo Esther engaged directly with the administrative authority in Eseka. According to her findings, the intention behind the measure was not punitive but protective. Authorities described it as a preventive response to a specific incident and an increasingly tense atmosphere within the community.

      Eseka DOs Circular Clarifying Things.

At the center of the issue is a formal complaint filed by an Anglophone resident, Mr. Figna Cavel Basil, who reported being assaulted, threatened, and forcibly removed from his village of residence, Limoug-Lihog, where he had lived for over ten years. The complaint, supported by medical documentation, cited violence allegedly linked to his identity.

Following the incident, local authorities convened a meeting involving traditional leaders, community representatives, and notables. During this gathering, officials issued firm warnings against discrimination and violence, reiterating that all Cameroonians have the constitutional right to live peacefully anywhere in the country. Individuals implicated in the incident were also formally cautioned.

Authorities explained that the identification exercise was intended to map and monitor vulnerable individuals in order to ensure their safety and prevent further incidents. 

However, the absence of clear communication regarding the protective nature of the initiative contributed to widespread misunderstanding and fear. “This situation highlights the critical importance of transparent and inclusive communication, especially in sensitive contexts,” Omam Njomo Esther emphasized.

She reassured residents, particularly those from the North West and South West Regions living in Eseka, that their rights, dignity, and safety remain a priority. She stressed that the measure should not be interpreted as a targeting mechanism but as an effort to safeguard communities.

At the same time, she called on all stakeholders to act responsibly. Communities were urged to avoid spreading unverified information that could escalate tensions, while authorities were encouraged to prioritize trust-building through clear and timely communication.

The statement also serves as a broader call for unity and vigilance. In a context where misinformation can quickly inflame divisions, dialogue and mutual respect remain essential tools for maintaining peace. “As a nation, we must ensure that every action strengthens trust rather than weakens it,” she noted.

The clarification comes at a critical moment for Cameroon, underscoring the need to protect social cohesion and uphold the principle of peaceful coexistence across regional and cultural lines.